A peek at an afternoon at the new St. Louis Aquarium...

Heaven. If you haven't yet had a chance to visit, you must! So well done, a beautiful incorporation of the historic trainshed location, and a terrific addition to the exciting comeback of Union Station.

NITTY GRITTY:
St. Louis Aquarium
201 S 18th St,
St. Louis, MO 63103

(314) 923-3900

https://www.stlouisaquarium.com/

See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

Most creative St. Louis area retail bathroom goes to...

Blooming Daisy Marketplace, by far! How fun is this bicycle vessel sink? ❤️

Under Contract: 585 Coeur De Royale Unit #308 in Creve Coeur

Hello low-maintenance one-level living...

This spotless condo, in the heart of Creve Coeur, popped on the market and my Buyer was quick to the draw! Despite multiple offers, we beat out the competition with some serious strategic negotiation. It closes escrow in just a few short weeks!   

YIPPEE! 

I am so happy for the sweet K duo on this smart move and can already see their grandkids having a blast in the pool!  Thank you for being such good friends and clients to me, K family. I am so glad this went your way! 💗

On a separate note, I will add that I have been incredibly impressed with 3rd quarter movement in the St. Louis real estate market.  At a time of traditional seasonal slowdown, 2019 has instead delivered a steady supply of exciting new inventory, motivated buyers, and healthy financing options.  If in St. Louis and considering a move in 2019, it is not too late, friends! The market continues to move swiftly for both Buyers AND Sellers. 

Let's connect...

5 St. Louis Weekend Happenings - Labor Day 2019

Labor Day Weekend 2019 is almost here, and what's not to love? It's a chance to slow down and appreciate our "laborers". The kids are off of school, most adults have the long weekend to play, and it is the last "hurrah" before we charge into the cooler weather and slower pace of Fall.

Labor Day Weekend, particularly in St Louis, is always full of amazing family-friendly activities. If you want to get out, hit the city, and do something other than enjoy the last weekend of pool season... the possibilities are endless.

Need help planning your long holiday weekend? Besides a busy game weekend for the Cardinals versus the Reds and Giants, the Great Godfrey Corn Maze, and extended hours at the St. Louis Zoo, below are 5 of my favorite St. Louis Labor Day 2019 activities...

Labor Day Parade
September 2nd at 9AM

Thousands of local union members will march through downtown St. Louis for the annual Labor Day Parade. An awesome way to kick off the weekend and show your pride /support our local workers.  There will be local bands, drill teams, and a ton of action!

The parade begins at 15th and Olive. It then makes its way down Tucker Street, past St. Louis City Hall and west on Market Street to 15th Street.  Food and celebration follows at Chestnut and Market!

More info: http://www.stlclc.org/2019-labor-day-parade-information/


The Japanese Festival at the Botanical Garden
August 31- September 2

Each Labor Day weekend, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts one of the largest and oldest Japanese Festivals in North America. In addition to taking in the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, visitors can enjoy Japanese music, art, dance, food, and entertainment including Origami demonstrations, a traditional tea ceremony, and live Sumo wrestling.

Tickets to the festival are $16 for adults, $8 for members,  and $5 for non- member children and and free for children Garden members.

More info: http://events.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Japanese_Festival

St. Louis Greek Festival in the Central West End

August 30-September 2 
Corner of Forest Park and Kingshighway

If you love authentic Greek food, and who doesn't, than a visit to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is in order for you this weekend for their 102nd Annual festival. Enjoy music, dancing and some of the best Greek food you'll find anywhere. Be sure to utilize the free parking in the BJC Parking Garage.

More Info: http://www.opastl.com/

Big Muddy Blues Festival on Laclede's Landing
August 31, 2pm-11pm

The 24th Annual Big Muddy Blues Festival is a free, outdoor music festival featuring local and nationally known Blues artists that hosts over 30,000 people annually. 50+ musicians perform on three outdoor stages set up throughout the cobble stoned streets of the Landing, 3 indoor stages, and two events at the National Blues Museum featuring tributes to Albert King and Tommy Bankhead. Dozens of local restaurants provide food and drink, and the music is the best around! Amazing way to support our local talent.

More info: http://bigmuddybluesfestival.com

Fall Art Fair at Queeny Park
August 30-September 1

$5.00 admission

Friday:  5pm - 9pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm.
Sunday: 11am - 4pm.

All within the climate-controlled comfort of the Greensfelder Recreation Center, and with more than 130 juried artists from 20+ states... the Art Fair at Queeny Park is one of the most reputable, longest-running art fairs in the bi-state region.

More info: http://www.artfairatqueenypark.com/ 

Event flyer with a $1 coupon for admission: 
https://www.artfairatqueenypark.com/coupon.html

Late evening visit to Lone Elk Park!

We have visited Lone Elk for years to see the animals, but have never gone by in the summer just before sunset...

This is the time to go, friends! Last night we got insanely close to well over a dozen elk, buffalo, turkey, deer, and even had pesky raccoons begging at our car for food. It was quite a spectacle!

What is Lone Elk Park? Learn more HERE at my previous post.  Magical!

St. Louis and affordability go hand in hand!

Hey, hey St. Louis...  SmartAsset just confirmed something that locals have known for a long time. In a recent study, they surveyed the 189 most populous cities in country, assessing everything from the price per square foot for residential real estate to the unemployment rate to residents with a college degree to walkability..

We ranked 9th in the nation as far as being undervalued at only $104.25 per square foot.  Look at our numbers compared to the other cities, with amazing public schools to boot!

St. Louis, Missouri, coming in at ninth place, is the westernmost city in our top 10. St. Louis does have the fourth-highest high school graduation rate in the top 10, at 88%, which ranks 91st in the study overall. Furthermore, 28% of the adults in the city’s population have at least a bachelor’s degree, the fourth-highest rate in the top 10 and 61st out of 189 cities overall. The unemployment rate in St. Louis is 3.9%, the second-lowest rate in the top 10.

Zillow data shows that actual cost per square foot in St. Louis is $104.25, while our model estimates that it should cost about $100 more than that, at $205.58. For those looking to get a smart start, it’s also one of the best cities for new college grads.

PLAY GLORIA!!

A sea of blue and gold, as far as the eye can see... 

The only thing more incredible than the St. Louis Blues is YOU, St. Louis! St. Louis PROUD.. We got the cup!

💛💙🏆💙💛
#PlayGloria

That's a winner at the Enterprise Center... Let's Go Blues!

Look closely and you will catch the Nenonen Boys singing "Gloria" at the watch party! Ha ha.

Go St. Louis Blues in Manchester...

As seen in West County yesterday...

...St. Louis Blues fever is everywhere! 💛🏒💙

Spring in Tower Grove Park...

Ellis Peters said “Every Spring is the only Spring, a perpetual astonishment.🌷”.

Tower Grove Park in April... is there anywhere more lovely?

School District Matters in St. Louis!

Considering a move in 2019 and school district is a consideration, St. Louis?

Pick up the March edition of St. Louis Magazine! It contains the latest stats for both public and private schools from tuition and enrollment to average ACT score.

Here is a direct link to the newest data, friends!  Share if you know someone who could benefit.

Peek from last night: Now you see it, now you don’t!

Downtown St. Louis was cloaked in such a dense blanket o’ fog...

...it left a mere shadow of the spectacular Gateway Arch.❤️

SOLD: The Penthouse in The York House

I don’t do lease work regularly, but occasionally, I assist a client in acquiring a special property.  This one takes the cake! The photographs of this historic 3,300 square-foot penthouse suite, with a private rooftop deck overlooking the Central West End and Forest Park, speak for themselves...

Lovely, isn’t it? My clients are tickled pink and move in next month! A sincere thank you to my client for the opportunity to help implement this exciting move.  In addition, a warm moment of gratitude to my former client turned friend, C, for the generous corporate client referral.💛  See the full listing HERE.

About the building: The York House, adjacent to the historic Chase Park Plaza hotel in the heart of the Central West End, was completed in 1922. It was originally named the Chase Apartments after its creator, Chase Ullman. It’s architectural design combines elements of Neoclassical revival with a muted Beaux Art style, consistent with the history and character of the neighborhood. 

This beauty was built in an era of sophisticated urban living, and this block was the center of it all. “Meet Me in St. Louis” was filmed right along Lindell Boulevard.   The Chase Club next-door was the place to see celebrity performers including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. These events were broadcast locally and nationally, and this block became a mainstay for entertainment. Later in the century, KPLR Channel 11 was headquartered in the building, and filming took place in the adjacent studio. During the flood of 1993, Peter Jennings broadcasted the ABC national news from the fourth floor of the York house.

It is a gorgeous building and a very unique unit in one of the most ideal locations in St. Louis.  A special new home for a special client, indeed!

In St. Louis and considering a move in 2019? The time to start planning is now! Have a friend who is looking for an agent?  I proudly base my business on direct referrals and wear my past client reviews like a badge of honor.  Let’s connect...

Did you know, St. Louis? Soulard Market Edition.

Our youngest son is currently taking a History of St. Louis class at school, and every single day he comes home with an interesting St. Louis tidbit that I didn’t know before. 

Friends, tell the truth: 

Did you know that there is a gymnasium above Soulard Farmers Market? Over 4 decades in this city and countless Soulard visits... I did NOT. Mind blown.

Overcast Scene Downtown

Hello, Tuesday...

...Good morning, St. Louis! ❤️ Storm skies as the Gateway Arch peeks over the shoulder of the Old Cathedral (aka the 1st cathedral west of the Mississippi, circa 1834).

Pantry Before and After

If you follow me on Instagram, you are aware that it has been a busy winter of renovation here in Casa de Nenonen.  The tail end of our massive kitchen gut, was a redesign of our pantry.  As of this morning, the project is officially complete with the installation of the final trim and new motion sensor lighting...

All lit up like a Christmas tree, just in time for holiday baking. 🎄⭐️ 

Our favorite feature?

The sliding shelf mechanism, which helped us to maximize the storage!  

A warm thank you to Teresa Voyles and the team at NewSpace for transforming an awkward closet over the stairs in to something incredibly functional for our family.  NewSpace was not only terrific to work with, but our gorgeous new closet has a lifetime warranty.

If you have a space in your home that isn't working for you, do NOT be afraid to rethink it, friends.  My only regret?  Not doing it sooner.

NITTY GRITTY:

1960 Innerbelt Business Center Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63114

Phone: (314) 423-3200

Showroom Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:30
Saturday 10:00 – 4:00

Where to find the best home holiday light displays in St. Louis!

St. Louis is really starting to look festive, isn't it?  I stumbled upon this local site over the weekend and KNEW it was a must-share on the blog as we venture towards the month of December...

Holiday Light Hopping, a local website, is the ULTIMATE database for local home light displays around the Metropolitan area. It was born from a family's love for checking out local displays, and now they're spreading the word to all locals eager for a little holiday spirit and inspiration!   Nothing like a fun night out cruising St. Louis neighborhoods, enjoying the beautiful holiday lights, to add sparkle and warmth to a cold winter night. 

The database changes daily, and even has mapping capability!  It is a phenomenal resource for local holiday fun... I had to share! ✨

Check them out here:  https://www.holidaylighthopping.com

The 2019 St. Louis Muny Show Schedule ANNOUNCED!

The St. Louis Muny, aka the oldest outdoor theater in the US, just announced their 2019 Summer lineup, #StLouis...

...and all I can say is YES, YES, YES!! ❤️  Fun fact:  During their 101st season, the Muny will be the VERY first theater in the U.S. to produce the Tony, Olivier and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots!  Too fun.

New subscriptions will go on sale in March 2019, and single tickets will be available beginning May 2019.  More information can be found at https://muny.org/.

Hidden Gem: A St. Louis Lemp Style Halloween

Nothing screams "St. Louis Halloween Spooktacular"...

... like a haunted walking history tour of the Lemp complex and Cherokee Neighborhood at night?!  Last night, Steve and I gathered with some of my Coldwell Banker Gundaker coworkers for a little Halloween fun. Ack!

If you are from St. Louis, you likely know all about the legend of the Lemp family, the unfortunate Prohibition demise of one of the largest brewers in the country, and the string of "unfortunate incidents" that resulted in the old family mansion becoming one of the most notorious in the United States for alleged hauntings!

On this tour you get to hear all about the tragic history of the Lemp Family, learn the locations of the lost Lemp Neighborhood Cemeteries, and enjoy the gorgeous Cherokee Neighborhood architecture at night as they share other spooky tales of more haunted and historical locations along the tour route.

The St. Louis Paranormal Society is actually BASED in the old Lemp Brewery complex at the base of Antique Row and offer tours several nights per week.  Check out their website for more information at https://www.seeaghost.com/ or find them on Facebook HERE.

If you want to tour the Lemp mansion ITSELF, they actually offer guided tours every Monday, year round.  They also have a fabulous restaurant, offer fun mystery dinners, and have overnight accommodations for the brave at heart. Learn more at http://www.lempmansion.com/index.html

There is also an October haunted house in the complex and trust me, IT IS FRIGHTENING! 

It involves taking an old warehouse elevator down to the caverns and um, yeah. Been there, done that (thanks to the coaxing of my teenage boys) and not sure I will do it again?!  Ha ha.  Brave?  Learn more HERE.

TIP: 
Whatever you choose, make sure that you round out the evening at Ted Drewes for a "Great Pumpkin" concrete...

The best! 👻

See some of my other local "Hidden Gems" HERE.

September in Forest Park...

Nothings says “Hello, Heaven”...

...like a dreamy 70 degree September day in Forest Park!  This was the perfect day to pencil in some down time to lunch at The Boathouse and get our 10K steps enjoying the heart of the city at it's best. 🍂😍